No talks on Myanmar corridor, only discussed channelling aid with UN: Khalilur Rahman

Highlights

• Govt has not discussed with anyone providing a corridor to Myanmar
• Bangladesh is under no pressure from the US or any other country
• The main goal remains the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar
• Engaging with all major powers — including the US and China
• Khalilur blames neighbouring country's media for propagating false reports

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman today (21 May) categorically said that the government did not engage in any discussions regarding a "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar's Rakhine State, nor will it.

He said the government only discussed channelling aid to the conflict-stricken Myanmar state through the United Nations (UN).

"The UN secretary-general inquired about Bangladesh's ability to provide aid to Rakhine. Bangladesh has informed the Arakan Army, through the UN, that aid distribution must be impartial and not used for military purposes," the security adviser said during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

The issue of the humanitarian corridor for Myanmar's Rakhine State has sparked stringent criticism from political parties, including the BNP, netizens and geopolitical experts over security concerns.

BNP senior leader Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed, earlier this month, expressed concerns that Bangladesh could be drawn into a war due to the corridor without the consent of its people. Mubashar Hasan, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Oslo, speaking to The Business Standard last month, warned that such corridors often become home to criminal activity, foreign military presence.

The national security adviser's briefing came following the Chief Adviser's meeting with the chiefs of the three armed forces yesterday. The meeting, which discussed the country's security issues, were also attended by the home adviser and national security adviser Khalilur.

CA urges need for maintaining stable security as armed forces chiefs meet him

Speaking at today's briefing, Khalilur dismissed claims of a corridor being propagated from Bangladesh, attributing such reports to a neighbouring country's media. He also refuted allegations that Bangladesh is preparing for a proxy war on behalf of the US, labelling them as unrealistic and false.

Addressing a previous statement by the foreign affairs adviser, he clarified that the use of the word "corridor" was a "slip of the tongue" and was subsequently corrected.

The security adviser said, "A corridor is unnecessary; the immediate need is to deliver humanitarian aid. He clarified that no talks have taken place concerning a humanitarian corridor as such a concept, in this context, lacks existence." 

Khalilur stressed that any consideration of such a matter would involve extensive deliberation with all stakeholders, not just the government, and that it has not yet reached that stage.

He asserted that if the Arakan Army pursues a policy of ethnic cleansing, Bangladesh will not engage in trade with them. Khalilur also highlighted that national security matters are not always subject to public diplomacy and full disclosure. 

"Should a corridor be established, it would be entirely under UN control, while Bangladesh would focus on border control and avoiding conflict. There would be no consideration of a corridor if the Myanmar army does not cease its airstrikes," he said.

Addressing questions about coordination, Khalilur said there is no disagreement with the military on the Myanmar issue, affirming complete unity on the matter. He confirmed close collaboration with both the army chief and the foreign office. 

He also asserted that Bangladesh is not under pressure from any nation, including the US, engaging in dialogue with all parties, including the US and China.

Repatriation of Rohingya

Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees, stressing that they would not accept a situation where returnees face renewed violence. He said 90% of the Arakan area is now under the control of the Arakan Army, with whom parallel discussions are underway. "The Arakan Army has assured Bangladesh that taking back the Rohingya is a principal position and they will do so once the situation improves."

He stressed that as long as the situation in Arakan remains unstable, talks on repatriation will not proceed, as no preconditions for return have been established there. Khalilur reaffirmed that the sole solution is the repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, a stance supported by an international consensus, including the UN secretary-general. He stated that all options, including diplomatic and other efforts, will be on the table to resolve the issue.

Khalilur expressed concern over the severe food and medicine shortages in Myanmar's Rakhine State, citing a UNDP report indicating a dire humanitarian crisis. He warned that this could lead to a further influx of Rohingya into Bangladesh, stating that the country is already beyond its carrying capacity and cannot accept additional refugees. He also noted that people from other ethnic groups in Rakhine are arriving at the border due to the food crisis, potentially creating new challenges.

Khalilur added that Bangladesh has not observed any signs of Rohingya participation in the Arakan administration and does not desire any new ethnic cleansing. He questioned why Bangladesh would assist the Arakan Army if it intends to establish an apartheid state.

Addressing a personal question, Khalilur said he possesses only Bangladeshi citizenship and no other passport.